Balaji all set for CLT20 for CSK

Chennai Super Kings(CSK) pace bowler Laxmipathy Balaji is looking forward to the challenge ahead in Champions League T20 and is all set to help his team claim the CLT20 title in South Africa.

The pacer is well aware of the conditions in South Africa and has planned his strategies accordingly.

“In South Africa, the batsmen are always set to play on the back foot and try to get the boundary through the 'cut" [shot] which is the easiest thing on the pitches there. So if I bowl to length and make the batsmen go for [straight] drives, it is going to be a difficult proposition for them. Balaji told the official website of Chennai Super Kings.

The medium pacer from Tamil Nadu was the second most prolific wicket-taker for CSK who lifted the IPL championship in the 2009 edition. He bagged 12 scalps during the tournament – just one behind spin wizard Muralitharan.

Balaji, who has been in and out of the Indian senior team got a new lease of life after a successful inaugural season of the IPL. He acknowledged the help of his foreign teammates in strategizing against the international batsmen.

“Getting to know their weaknesses and strengths is not an issue. For example, to get details of an Australian side in the fray, we have Matthew Hayden and [Doug] Bollinger to provide information and likewise Albie Morkel would be sought to give the necessary details on African teams,"

Balaji is confident that his team CSK stand a great chance to lift the CLT20 cup with the kind of preparations they have under their belt.